Turning sorrow into service Green earns Michigan Blood's Donor for Life Leadership Award|

By the Midland Daily News

Published 6:30 am, Thursday, May 12, 2016

It was the start of a new year and Caleb Green never would have guessed that his world was about to drastically change.

The high school senior was busy leading the soccer and basketball teams at Calvary Baptist Academy in Midland, volunteering with his church and spending time with family. He also made time to participate in Michigan Blood’s Donor for Life Leadership Program.

Caleb was devastated when he learned in January that his mother had weeks to live. His mother, Barb Green, was first diagnosed with cancer in 2011 during Caleb’s 8th grade year. He spent five years watching her undergo several treatment options.

“When my mom first became sick, I was very angry and didn’t feel that God was there for me,” Caleb said. “But God would eventually get ahold of me and point me in the right direction.”

Barb Green passed away on Feb. 9. She was 48 years old and left behind her husband Jason, two daughters Emily and Sarah, and son Caleb.

Despite the devastation Caleb experienced, he stayed loyal to commitments he made at school, church and volunteer service with Michigan Blood.

“While Caleb knew that his mom was very sick with cancer, he stayed to work the January blood drive held at Calvary Baptist Academy,” said Karalee McKinstry, the consultant for the blood drive. “He volunteered to be the student intern for that blood drive, and he saw that commitment through despite his family’s devastating circumstances.”

Through continued efforts beginning earlier in his high school career, Caleb completed the Donor for Life Leadership Program and earned red cord honors that he will wear at graduation this month. Caleb is the only student at Calvary Baptist Academy to receive the honor for donating blood with Michigan Blood six times.

“Michigan Blood is honored to recognize Caleb for his commitment to blood donation,” said Tamar Chipp, community relations coordinator for Michigan Blood. “We thank him for his loyalty and applaud him for turning his sorrow into service for others.”

To complete Michigan Blood’s leadership program, students donate blood six times before graduation or become a blood drive leader. Participants also have the opportunity to volunteer additional service hours with Michigan Blood. Students can sign up for the program at www.miblood.org/donor-for-life.

“Realizing how much blood my mom needed over the years, I really feel the burden to be the one to give back as a thank you to all the other donors,” Caleb said. “I still have deep sorrows and pain, but have God to lift me up and carry me through the difficult times. I also know I have all of you to be there for me through your love, support and prayers.”

Donations collected by Michigan Blood help patients in more than 60 Michigan hospitals including MidMichigan Health, Covenant HealthCare and St. Mary’s of Michigan. Donations given outside of Michigan Blood do not stay local or have direct local impact.

Any healthy person 17 or older (or 16 with parental consent) who weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate. For more information about donating blood or to make an appointment, visit www.miblood.org.

Michigan Blood is currently in urgent need of O-negative blood donations. Due to school spring breaks, typical Michigan weather swings and other factors, Michigan Blood is experiencing lower than expected blood collections, and is striving to maintain a safe level of inventory. Donors with this blood type are encouraged to donate.